Little Poland Festival Again Draws Tens of Thousands of Visitors in New Britain

Celebrating its 12th year, the Little Poland Festival again drew tens of thousands of people to New Britain to celebrate Polish culture, music and food in the city.

The popular celebration of Polish culture, music and cuisine has, for years, attracted huge crowds of people from New Britain, the state and beyond.

Tens of thousands of people filled Broad Street for blocks during the massively popular event in New Britain’s vibrant Little Poland neighborhood.

“According to the US Census,” Festival organizers have pointed out, “nearly a quarter million Polish Americans reside in Connecticut with New Britain being home to the largest Polish community in the entire state.”

Music and dancing were performed at the Main Stage between Sacred Heart Church and the General Haller Post.

People gathered for music at a second stage at the east of the festival site.

Meanwhile, other music and activities could be seen at different locations on and around Broad Street.

Of course, crowds gathered at numerous booths for delicious Polish cuisine and other tasty food.

“The festival is organized by the Polonia Business Association,” organizers say, “a local non-profit that promotes New Britain’s Polish neighborhood, which features numerous Polish bakeries, delis, restaurants, and community organizations.”

Adrian Baron, the Association’s President, said before this year’s event that,

We are excited to see how much the festival has grown over the years. It’s hard to believe that the festival started as a small gathering in a local parking lot just over a decade ago and today draws visitors from all across New England and as far as upstate New York or Pennsylvania.

“What began as a small parking lot event has, over the last decade, transformed into one of the largest cultural events in all of Connecticut and New England,” Festival organizers have said.

Editor’s note: The cover photo is also by Dr Frank Gerratana.